Watch Party! Connect featured on Mayo Clinic Radio

@rosemarya and @colleenyoung what a great Mayo Clinic Radio podcast! You both nailed what Connect is all about.

Thanks, John. You don't get away with just adding a comment, as gracious as it is. I'd like to hear how you might have answered Tracy McCray had she asked you: How did you get involved in Connect? How has it helped? What goal have you achieved with the community?

I have never done anything like this before - being interviewed.
This is what my step sister had to say as she responded and shared on facebook: "My step sister, Rosemary, is involved as volunteer mentor for a great program at Mayo – open to all."

@colleenyoung, I would stutter a little and then blink a few times to gather my thoughts and say something like this...
I absolutely hate being told that there is nothing that will help my symptoms for my small fiber PN - numbness. That diagnosis sent me in search of answers and support from others with similar symptoms and I found Connect during one of those late night searches. I learned that I was not alone. I found comfort in knowledge that other members were also looking for answers. Connect gave me support, comfort and knowledge that has helped me be a better advocate for my health. Becoming a mentor has given me the opportunity to give back to the Connect community that has given me so much.

@rosemarya and @colleenyoung- What a great team! You both hit every note perfectly, the right explanations and emphasis on how Connect is so wonderful in helping everyone. Kudos!

Thanks, Merry. I'd like to hear how you might have answered the radio host Tracy McCray had she asked you: How did you get involved in Connect? How has it helped? What goal have you achieved with the community?

@colleenyoung- I got involved with Connect as a result of searching for support and information on the Internet. I have Multifocal Adenocarcinoma of the lung, a NSCLC and I had never talked to anyone who had it too. I was also suffering from PTSD as a result and I craved more support, not only through meeting others who suffer from this too but understand it more.
Has it helped? A huge yes to this. One big thing that I hadn't realized is that by helping others, as intensely as what happens on Connect being surprised that it made me feel so great! It was addicting, this give and take two way street.
When I was asked to be a Mentor for the Lung Cancer group I wanted to make sure that I reached out and answered every cry for help in the Lung Cancer group that I could. I didn't want anyone to be afraid or feel alone. I know the feeling of not having anyone else who really knows what I felt, even with a supportive family. By mentoring I have been able to grow as a person and by commenting and being supportive I was able to reach more people and help them. It's still amazing to me how much I have gotten back. It's a huge dividend! Someone once said, "A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal."

@merpreb What a great comment, Merry! We can all say "amen" to that.

I love that quote, @merpreb. "A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal." Community really does help put care back into health.

And @hopeful33250, what might your response have been to radio host Tracy McCray had she asked you: How did you get involved in Connect? How has it helped? What goal have you achieved with the community?

@colleenyoung and @rosemarya It was evident how much Mayo Connect means to you. The diversity of our members, and the groups, prove that all of us benefit from the online support of "cyber-friends" to help us navigate our lives.
Ginger